Cool in Your Code

Fashion Junkie

Dara Fleischer defines a Fashion Junkie as a shopping addict who can’t live without the latest “It Items.” If this sounds like you, then Dara will be your guide through the newest trends and hottest shops, while perched atop her soapbox sharing her views and news on all things stylish. A fashion and beauty editor, as well as a self-confessed shopaholic, she even chaperones clients on specifically designed shopping safaris. Dara says, “FashionJunkie’s mission is simple: to make the world a better-dressed place, one person at a time.”

Dara shares her thoughts on why shopping in New York City is an experience
unlike any other.

What brought you to New York?
When I was eight years old, I visited Bloomingdales for the first time and immediately fell in love with New York City. From that day on, I knew I’d eventually end up here.

What do you love about living in New York?
The energy, the food and of course, the shopping.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
We’re stylish, smart, worldly and blunt.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
People are surprisingly friendly and approachable.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
Having just returned from an 8-day trip to London, I definitely missed the food… especially Shake Shack and Two Boots pizza.

Tell us about your blog… what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?
FashionJunkie.com is a fashion and beauty email newsletter, daily “Re-Tales” blog and New York-based personal shopping service clueing you in on what to buy and where to buy it… before it’s passé. In a nutshell, FashionJunkie is an online community for “serial shoppers.”
A self-confessed shopaholic, I initially created FashionJunkie.com (FJ), merely as a fun and frivolous diversion while pursuing a career in fashion and beauty publishing. I soon realized I was filling a void for the fashion challenged from across the globe. Within weeks of launching FJ back in ‘96, I was inundated with emails requesting my advice for every conceivable quandary from where to find discontinued lip-gloss to uplifting lingerie. After a series of high-profile jobs in PR and editorial, I inevitably followed my true calling by turning my passion for fashion into a full-time business informing would-be fashionistas about the latest trends, hottest shops and chaperoning clients on tailor-made NYC shopping safaris. Have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy? Drop me a line at contact@fashionjunkie.com

Best neighborhood bar?
Great Jones Café in NoHo. I’m addicted to their creole chicken wings, sweet potato fries, house salad and margaritas.

Best late night joint?
Without a doubt, Florent (in the Meatpacking District).

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)
I saw 5 movies during the Christmas holiday… The Savages, Juno, Lust Caution, Charlie Wilson’s War and The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. Tough week.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
I love Gramercy Tavern – the bar is cozy and the service is outstanding. The Artisanal cheese selection is absolutely to-die-for.

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
My husband will kill me for saying this… the Union Square Whole Foods.

Best movie house?
Landmark Sunshine Cinema due to its proximity to Russ ‘n Daughters. I always head there (to R&D) right before any film for my stash of Kookaburra licorice.

www.fashionjunkie.com

Filed under: around the blog, blog, fashion, hottest shops, shopping advice, trends